Aiyabei, Kimeli win Iten road race titles

Eldoret City Marathon champion, Valery Aiyabei and Mathew Kimeli clinched the Safaricom Iten 10km Road Race titles on Sunday in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

Aiyabei successfully defended her crown after clocking 32.29:6 for victory ahead of Edith Chelimo (32.34:5) and Dorcas Jepchirchir (32.50:7).

“The race was competitive. Coming in second wasn’t bad, I’m happy with my results as it has helped me train and be ready for the new season.” Chelimo said post-race.

In the men’s category, Kimeli who is 2019’s 15th annual UAE Healthy Kidney 10K winner stopped the timer in 28.57:00.

Edwin Kiprop came second in 29.17:20 with Emmanuel Bor finishing third in 29.21:20

Winners received Sh50,000, with first runners-up bagging Sh40,000 and third-place finishers pocketing Sh30,000. The race flagged off at Bugar and ended at Iten Grounds.

Other oncoming events in the Safaricom Athletics Series calendar are Kisii Half Marathon, 1st Africa Deaf Athletics Championships-Kasarani, Mombasa International Marathon, Madoka Hlaf Marathon, Isaiah Kiplagat Memorial Ndalat, Imenti South Road race and Kisumu City Marathon.

Elgeyo Marakwet County which hosts Iten town has long been known as the home of champions and is now also renowned as a top international training Centre for elite runners from all over the world.